New Laptop

[jphoughton]

Calling all laptop/notebook experts!!! I am in the market for a new laptop for a personal/small business use! I want to stay under $1200 which limits me, but I am seeing all kinds of deals.
Couple of questions:
1. Where can I get the best reviews for laptops?
2. What do you have/suggest? Why?

Just asking for a little feedback b/4 I make any kind of investment!!! Thank you in advance!!!

[Gatorhardware]

Hi! JP. What were you looking to use your laptop for? Would you want to play some games on it? Or would it be more for business aps and internet?

[jphoughton]

I possibly would play some games - but not the main use - I am starting a new business and I will be out in the field not at an office or house - SO - I want something lightweight/thin - longer battery life or extra battery or both - larger screen preferred but not necessary - more memory - fast processor would be nice but not necessary - cd burner/dvd combo or burner - nice graphics card but can use shared memory - quality programs installed - xp pro - office - antivirus - business stuff - but on the other hand this will be my after work/personal computer - so fun and good looking - nice quality sound or sound card - easy to use - I know I am asking a lot for a smaller price - BUT - doesn't hurt to ask

I have seen some pretty good deals on the refurbished models - what's your feeling on those? there is a reason why they are cheaper
Also the brand avertak(?) has some high specs for a low price but I have never heard of them and couldn't find any reviews for them - heard anything? thanks

[ECA]

remember 1 thing.
Just cause a company SELLS a comp, dont mean they built it.
Emachines dont, Dell dont, HP dont, on and on.
FIND a manufactour, and generally you can get them alittle cheap.

[jphoughton]

I guess I don't completely understand - I thought that Dell was the manufacturing company - Are they just the brand name?

How would you get a list of the manufacturer's?

And thank you for the advice!!!

[ECA]

Not on laptops.
Call as there tech support.
"What company made your laptop?"
Emachines has had 2-4 companies mak theres.

[Gatorhardware]

ASUS makes most of our laptops. We also use Compal. ECS makes a nice laptop as well. Refirbished laptops are a nice way to save some money. The only downside to buying one is that the technology upgrades so fast and the price of used laptops dont fall as fast. Sometimes you pay 2/3's the price of a system with 1/2 the specs. Just compare the price of the used one to a new one and ask yourself if its worth the extra money. We sell a nice 14" Compal notebook with the Centrino processor with CDRW/DVD 64mb shared graphics. We can add the Office if you need that as well.

[ECA]

Look for the MAIN options, forget about progs.
CPU and ram are the MOST needed.
Always Top the system off with as much ram as it can hold, you may not be able to do it later.
Look for built in networking, blue tooth, and wireless, USB2, IR, New components, IF you need/want them. Adding them later can be done, but it can be expencive.
ALWAYS test the system after you get it. TEST it all, even if you have to go to a friends house, or a computer store to TEST it.
Waiting 6 months to test a network connection ISNT covered in most warrenty.
IF you dont like it, FIND out in 1 week. then send it back if you need to.
FIND someone WHO has the same laptop. TALK to them, see what they would change.

This is the MOST propriatary computer you can buy.. What this means is... Parts on a NEW car wont fit a 1949 edsel, only difference is laptops change faster then cars. What looks good today is OLD tomorrow in laptops.

[ECA]

Dont know HOW portable you want, but a mini ATX case and mobo, with wireless KB and mouse and a LCD, COULD do you alot better.